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The other day I was working out at my local gym, sweating away on the treadmill, when a gentleman got on the treadmill next to me. Not only did he begin to run on the treadmill, but he did it while juggling three balls. Now that took skill, and it was not something I had ever seen before.

Something else I rarely see is men talking about the need for balance in their lives, but a couple of months ago while in Denver, I met a gentleman named "Bob" who shared with me the importance of keeping things in perspective.

Bob had spent his entire career moving and shaking in order to make more money, to buy private planes and to enjoy the luxuries of life. Unfortunately, something was missing. Bob clearly loved his daughter, and the tears that begin to pool in his eyes when he told me his story clearly demonstrated to me that he was still emotionally troubled by her passing.

His daughter often chastised her father to "slow down and smell the roses," and Bob’s response was to disregard what she had to say and tell her that was the problem of her generation. Bob was a hard working financial consultant working with small business owners, helping them create a legacy of wealth and prosperity for their families. And although he, too, was creating great wealth for his family, something was missing.

What was missing was his ability to hear her cries for help. Far too often we blow off our children’s clues (slipping grades, lack of motivation or disobedience) and we classify them as being lazy, unmotivated or just a bad kid. However, what they may be saying is "I need you, I love you, and I need your help." But do we hear them?

As Bob continued to tell me his story he described the pain of losing his daughter to suicide, and the guilt associated with her death. The forever unanswered questions: "What more could I have done to prevent this unfortunate event? Why suicide? Why didn’t I listen to her?"

As I listened to his story I, too, got a knot in my throat because I could relate to many of the things he was saying. He was doing what we as men are raised and programmed to do: provide for our families. But providing for our families is so much more complex than just making money.

Providing is deep! It is about being there, being present and being thankful for the small blessings that have been bestowed upon us. When my third child was born, I marveled at his milestones and I mentioned to my wife that I didn’t remember our two other sons' milestones. She said, "How could you? You weren’t here." And she was right! I was too busy building our business.

Often as men, we fall into the trap that the business or our job can’t survive without us. Hello! Here is your wake up call: Yes it can! Some time this summer, why not leave work early, turn off your Blackberry and your cell phone, pick up your family, and take them to the park to play?

Lay down a blanket, lay back with your hands folded behind your head, look up at the beautiful blue sky and say, "Tthank you! Thank you for my family, my health, my spouse, and for blessing me with the opportunity to spend quality time with my loved ones."

It’s all about juggling those balls and finding balance.

Winston Churchill once said, "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give" Give the most precious gift you can give anyone you love ... Yourself!

Phil Wilkins – speaker, consultant, author, entrepreneur.
Phil's strategies for success can help your company:

• Attract wealthy business-owners as clients
• Strengthen and grow your business
• Build vital relationships through networking
• Cultivate leadership.  
• And enjoy a balanced life.

For more information, visit www.philwilkins.com, or e-mail Phil at phil@philwilkins.com

To book Phil for your next conference or in house event contact Teresa at Teresa@philwilkins.com or call Toll free:  888-663-6254

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Own Your Business, Own Your Life!  is an electronic newsletter distributed to our clients and colleagues to help them sell more goods and services by developing people. Portions of this newsletter may be reprinted in your organization or association newsletter, provided the following credit line is included:

Phil Wilkins is the CEO of Diverse Wealth Systems, which empowers businesses and sales professionals to sell more goods and services by leveraging diverse ideas, people and systems. He presents keynotes on client acquisition, connecting to the diverse community, the power of entrepreneurship and inspiration. He can be reached at 888-663-6254, by email at phil@philwilkins.com or by visiting his website www.philwilkins.com